 County to offer third dose of mRNA vaccine recommended for some immunocompromised people
PIMA COUNTY, Aug. 17, 2021 – Pima County Health Department vaccination sites are offering a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for certain immunocompromised people.
This follows the Aug. 12 decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to modify the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for administration of an additional dose in some circumstances.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices endorsed the recommendation on Aug. 13, allowing for a third dose for moderately to severely immunocompromised people.
The additional dose should be the same mRNA vaccine as the two primary doses. However, if not available, the other brand of mRNA vaccine can be used. The additional dose should be at least 28 days after completion of the initial two-dose series.
Notably, the EUA amendments are to only the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine remains recommended for one dose at this time.
Anyone who is moderately or severely immunocompromised and has completed the initial two-dose mRNA series at least 28 days ago can get an additional dose at the following Pima County clinics or contact the Health Department if they are homebound:
- Theresa Lee Public Health Center, 1493 W. Commerce Court, Tucson, AZ 85746 Monday, Tuesday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- North Clinic, 3550 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
Monday: 8 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- East Clinic, 6920 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite E., Tucson, AZ 85710
Monday, Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to noon
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Abrams Public Health Center, 3950 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85714
Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Walter Rogers Clinic, 175 W. Irvington Rd., Tucson, AZ 85714
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Find a mobile ("pop-up") vaccination event at pima.gov/covid19vaccine
Individuals will attest to needing a third dose, no proof will be required. The vaccines are also available at other locations, including pharmacies.
Currently the CDC is recommending an additional dose for moderately or severely immunocompromised people, including the following:
- Recipients of active cancer treatment for tumors or blood cancers
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Organ transplant recipients who are taking immune-suppressing medications
- Stem cell recipients (in the past 2 years)
- Advanced or untreated HIV patients
- Patients undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other immune –suppressing medications.
Please note that this is NOT an all-inclusive list of immune compromising conditions. Patients are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider for guidance on whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.
The CDC has updated Interim Clinical Guidance for an additional dose.
People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are more at risk for serious and prolonged illness from COVID-19. The CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster vaccines for any other population at this time.
The Pfizer vaccine is available for persons aged 12 and older. Moderna is available for individuals 18 and older.
Media contact: HealthCommunications@pima.gov
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